The following Glossary of Locksmith Terminology is provided courtesy of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA). Click on a letter below to be taken to its corresponding terms.

Wafer Tumblers - An American name for flat sliding tumblers.

Wards - Fixed obstructions inside a lock case to preclude the use of wrong key, as the key is cut to pass over the wards and operate the lock. They are sometimes used in lever locks to give increased differs. Wards alone give very little security. See “Skeleton Key”.

Warded lock - Any lock or padlock, the mechanism of which makes use only of wards. Not recommended, due to lack of security.

Wheel Ward - This kind is often seen in cabinet locks. There may be one or more wards made of sheet metal of different heights bent into a curve. If fixed directly under the keyhole, the key cannot enter fully unless notched to suit. If the wards are fixed at the side of the keyhole, the key may be able to enter but cannot turn unless the cuts in the bit correspond with the wards. A large number of differences can be provided with this type of ward.

Tel. 0800 0 187 187

e-mail: callcentre@timpsonlocksmiths.co.uk